Category Archives: Auckland Coastal Walks

Auckland’s site on the isthmus between the harbours of Waitemata and Manukau, provides many coastal walking tracks alongside estuaries, inlets, streams and the Hauraki Gulf.
We have compiled a selection of 24 coastal walks into two books – Coastal part one and two. These books are available from Amazon and your local library.

Mangemangeroa Reserve walking track

walks in AucklandThe Mangemangeroa Reserve track was a totally new discovery for us today. I was  aware of it’s existence (and my awareness was raised further by my friend Isabel).

Today this coastal bush walk was an initial explore.  We concluded that it cannot be made into a circular walk however it is a beautiful magical place to walk, so we will be returning to document it fully. Yet again we hit the familiar snags, lack of sign posting – so we shall endeavor to keep fellow walkers on track with clear directions.

Today we met a couple at Shelly Park Beach who had walked from Howick Beach to Hayley Lane and were on their return journey. They had been walking for 31/2 hours to that point.

The views from the top of the ridge down the valley to the estuary were stunning, the bush was peaceful, and it was still and beautiful down by the water’s edge at Shelly Park Beach and the yacht club.

Download the Auckland Council brochure here.

I also suggest if you have the time that you pop into Howick Village markets which are held every Saturday morning. There is also a Sunday craft marketat All Saints Community Centre in Cook St check here for details.

walks in Auckland

How to get there: Southern Motorway to South Eastern exit. Follow Route 10 to Ti Rakau Drive, turn right and keep going past Botany Town Centre to its end. Turn left onto Chapel Rd, right onto Whitford Rd then hard left onto Somerville Rd. (MAP)

A walkway runs through native bush, past mudflats stretching along the estuary to Cockle Bay. Or walk through paddocks dotted with cows. Ferries used to manoeuvre through the creek but now it’s home to mangroves, crabs and hosts of birds. Beautiful lookouts and picnic spots. Dogs are allowed on a leash, except on the shoreline during bird breeding season, where they’re banned.

Macleans Park and Eastern Beach

Today we explored Macleans Park and Eastern Beach – an area that was new to us.  The walk took us up and over the Park and down to the waterfront.  We were rewarded with wonderful views over the Hauraki Gulf/Tamaki Strait and were able to cool off in the snippets of native bush.

walks in Auckland

This is a dog owners paradise -a very dog friendly walk with an off-leash area throughout the park. Dogs are allowed on the beach area from 7 pm to 9 am. The Auckland Council dog laws are:
Dogs are permitted off leash in ALL parks and reserves except those adjoining beaches with the above mentioned restrictions on times dogs are allowed on the beach. (See other Dog Friendly Walks)

The beach area is set up for picnics and there are children’s playgrounds.

Macleans Park is 36 ha in size. The gully areas and stream restoration plantings have helped to provide roosting and foraging habitat for kingfisher, fantail, pigeon, silver eye, tui and grey warbler native birds.

Note: the yellow line shows the Short Walks In Auckland recommended loop walk.

Click to open the Google Map in a separate tab or tap icon in top right of this map.

Download a printable version of the Macleans Park Downloadable Google Map

Macleans Park Track Elevation
Macleans Park Walkway Elevation

Description: A mix of level paths, steps and steep paths. Suitable for users of average fitness and mobility. May require boots in wet weather, running shoes suitable in dry weather.
To see: Hauraki Gulf/Tamaki Strait views, native bush, streams, beach
Time: approx. 60 minutes. (about 4 kms)
Start: Macleans Road opposite Murivale Drive MAP

Stay on track…get your detailed guide and map over at our Walks Store  (AE-032 Macleans Park) and our Book Store (one of 12 walks featured in our books “Dog Friendly Walks part 1” and “Best of the East”).

Walk TimeApprox 6 minutes (2.5 – 4km)
SurfaceDirt/Gravel, Grass, Paved
Difficulty2 – some hills but excellent track
Buggies/WheelchairSome hills are steep and there are some stairs
FacilitiesToilets, Playground, Flying Fox
HighlightsBeautiful native bush & birds, Flying Fox, Spectacular sea views, variety

Avondale Whau River walk

walks in Auckland

The Avondale Whau River walkway from New Lynn, was a new discovery yesterday. The Whau River is almost full of mangroves but it does have a boardwalk going across thanks to Dawn Persson’s commitment to the Avondale Community.

This is a dog friendly walk with an off-leash exercise area and is a mostly flat walk – just one gentle rise after the boardwalk. The walking route is also suitable for prams/buggies.

You may like to pack a picnic or take advantage of the nearby New Lynn Cafes.

Description: A mix of mainly level paths and one slightly steep path. Suitable for users of average fitness and mobility. May require boots in wet weather, running shoes suitable in dry weather.
To see: Water birds, Mangroves, river views, boardwalk
Time: approx. 50 minutes. (about 6 kms)
Parking: Lynn Mall Shopping Centre Carpark

Stay on track…get your detailed guide and map (AW-030 Whau River Loop) over at our Walks Store and our Book Store (one of 12 walks featured in our books “Dog Friendly Walks part 2” and “Best of the West“).

Blockhouse Bay circuit

Walks in Auckland

Have you ever wondered what a “Block House” is? Well, today I found out.
The last Saturday of the month is Market Day in Blockhouse Bay’s main street. At the street stalls you can buy fresh fruit and veggies, fish, delicious breads, plants, sweets, dog food and more.

On Market Days (and each Tuesday) the Blockhouse Bay Historical Society opens the doors of Armanasco House (on the Village Green next to the library). Today I met Keith who explained to me that the old block house was a military building that was built so that it could withstand (or ‘block’) musket ball penetration. There were several block houses that were built in Auckland to protect the city from invasion during the Maori Wars.

The block house of Blockhouse Bay no longer exists, but the Society has a collection of photos and memorabilia, plus members have many fascinating stories.

This Blockhouse Bay circuit walk begins at the National Bank, winds through the newly renamed Gittos Domain (it was called Avondale South Domain) to Flounder Bay. It is an undulating short bush walk with steep paths and steps to test our fitness levels. There are many bench seats along the way. It is very peaceful with just the sound of birds. Many of the native trees have been sign-posted. At low-tide it is possible to walk along the edge of the Bays.

This is a dog friendly walk with an off-leash exercise area.

Short Walks in Auckland: Urban Bush

Description: A mix of level paths and steep paths/steps. Suitable for users of average fitness and mobility. May require boots in wet weather, running shoes suitable in dry weather. Caution: Muddy and slippery when wet.
To see: Native bush, Manukau Harbour views
Time: approx. 45 minutes.
Start: Blockhouse Bay Road
Suggested Cafes: The BlockThe Bay Cafe and Icoco Cafe.

Stay on track…get your detailed guide and map over at our Walks Store  (AC-027 Blockhouse Bay and Gittos Domain) and our Book Store (one of 12 walks featured in our books “Urban Bush” and “Coastal part 1”).

Hobsonville Point circuit

Walks in Auckland

Today’s discovery walk was at Hobsonville Point.  A good friend of mine had already told me about how wonderful the Catalina Cafe  is on a sunny day.  And then today I read about Hobsonville Pt Park children’s playground which is quite unique – made from sustainably sourced materials.

Access the Google Map for this walk here.  Take it with you and follow the blue dot on your screen to navigate and see your progress.

The family friendly walk explores the former air base with the very few remaining old buildings.  There is a great deal of development going on with new housing and a planned ferry service to the CBD from ‘The Landing’ (which used to be the launching and landing place for flying boats, including Sunderland and Catalina planes). The historic buildings are being demolished at a fast pace to make way for new housing, so if history is your thing, get down there before it is completely gone.

The walking route is also suitable for prams/buggies and dog walkers (on leash only as of August 2014).

This walk takes about 60-80 minutes and is ideal for spring and autumn (too hot in summer and too muddy in winter). There is a lot to explore if you haven’t been here before. This is a dog friendly walk with an off-leash area and is a mostly flat walk.

Please note: As this area is under constant development, the walking route and the off leash dog exercise area, may be subject to change.

Description: Level sealed paths and bush track. Suitable for users of average fitness and mobility. May require boots in wet weather, running shoes suitable in dry weather. Suggested spring/autumn walk.
Caution: Muddy and slippery when wet.
To see: Hangars, barracks, officers housing, seaplane slipway, Auckland harbour views, weekend markets.
Time: approx. 60-80 minutes. (about 5.5 kms)
Start: Opposite Catalina Café off Buckley Avenue MAP


Suggested Café:
Catalina Cafe

You may wish to download our free Hobsonville Point walkway brochure when you enter your contact details here or find your own route here.

Stay on track…get your detailed guide and map (AW-013 Hobsonville Point) over at our Walks Store  and our Book Store (one of 12 walks featured in our books “Dog Friendly Walks part 3” and “Best of the West“.

Northcote Point and Auckland Harbour Bridge

Walks in Auckland

I felt like a tourist in my home city this morning! The morning was stunning after last night’s opening of the Rugby World Cup 2011. The skies were blue and the water still in the harbour, with just a little mist left around the edges. I had not explored Northcote Point before (it would have been a fine vantage point for the previous night’s fireworks display).

We had not prepared a route – it was a discovery walk and we were well rewarded. Views of Auckland City. Dwarfed by the pylons of the Auckland Harbour Bridge. A new-found path along the motorway. And an interesting mix of old and new residential homes. Plus children’s playgrounds as a reward for children. All made for a fun walk.

Download the Council’s Heritage walk brochure here.

Description: A mix of level paths and steep paths/steps. Suitable for users of average fitness and mobility.
To see: Auckland City views, Waitemata Harbour views, Harbour bridge foundations.  See if you can spot Mt Eden, Mt Victoria and the Chelsea Sugar Refinery.
Time: approx. 70 minutes. (about 5.85 kms).

Coastal walks in Auckland book (part 1)

Stay on track…get your detailed guide and map  (AN-021 Northcote Point Loop) over at our Walks Store and our Book Store (one of 12 walks featured in our book “Coastal part 1”).

Spectacular views from Mt Victoria Devonport

walks in Auckland

Today was clear and sunny, which called for a walk and climb to look over Auckland from up high from Mount Victoria. Mt Victoria provides spectacular views – it is higher than North Head and closer to Auckland City. This walk has a dog friendly off-leash area. (See other Dog Friendly Walks) And Devonport’s village-style shops and cafes is always a great place to visit and walk around. It’s fun to arrive in Devonport by ferry. And you could spend the whole day there – spend half the day at North Head and the other half at Mt Victoria with a lunch and shop browse in-between…..

Description: A mix of level paths, steep paths and steps.  Suitable for most ages and levels of fitness and mobility, designed with flat shoes or running shoes in mind. Not suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs.
To see: Wonderful views of Rangitoto, Hauraki Gulf and Auckland City, historical buildings.  Mount Cambria Reserve – A volcanic cone that is now a park, having been quarried away for roading, garden walls and ship’s ballast. Victoria Picture Palace/Theatre – built in 1912, oldest cinema in NZ. Fort Mt Victoria and the Disappearing Gun. St Francis De Sales Catholic Church, St Paul’s Presbyterian Church, Devonport Cemetery
History: https://www.devonport.co.nz/heritage.htm
Time: approx. 60 minutes. MAP

12 Volcano Walks

Suggested Cafés: 1) Along King Edward Parade 2) Many in Devonport Village 3) Five Loaves@ 29 Church St

Stay on track…get your detailed guide and map  (AN-020 Mt Victoria Loop) over at our Walks Store and our Book Store (Volcanoes).

More: Devonport Walks and Trails 

Te Atatu Peninsula Walk

short walks in auckland

The Te Atatu Peninsula Walk provides wonderful views of Auckland harbour – the Chelsea sugar factory, the Sky Tower, Rangitoto Island and the Harbour Bridge. You could almost be on an island! And the water looks beautiful at both high and low tides, dotted with mangroves.

On the eastern side of the Peninsula, specially created salt marsh wetlands on the lower terrace at Harbourview – Orangihina provide natural habitat to an abundant wildlife (fern birds, New Zealand Dotterel, oystercatchers, herons, Caspina terns, godwit and varous gulls).

There are boardwalks and a picnic platform out over the water at Harbourview Beach Reserve.

The walking route is suitable for cyclists, prams/buggies and dog walkers (on leash only to help protect the bird life that lives around the foreshore).

Fans of the New Zealand TV series Nothing Trivial Season One may recognize Michelle’s house and her exercise path.

Description: 6.25km loop walk. Mainly level paths – a mixture of paved, loose metal and boardwalks . Caution: Puddles after rain. Suitable for most ages and levels of fitness and mobility, designed with flat shoes or running shoes in mind. Suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs.
Children’s Playground=Yes
To see : Waitemata Harbour views, natural habitat, shore birds MAP

Suggested Cafés: Luscious Food Store and Servo

Stay on track…find this walk’s map and directions guide (AW-019 Te Atatu Peninsula) and other walk self-guides at our Walks Store and our Book Store (“Coastal Part One” and “Best of the West“).

Mission Bay – walking in the rain

Walks in AucklandIt was a big decision today, do we do the Mission Bay walk this morning, this afternoon, tomorrow… The weather was looking grim and the weather forecast even grimmer. We decided – this morning. It rained on and off, there was a bit of blue sky, and the coffee at De Fontein was very good!

Mission Bay buzzes on sunny summer bays with lots of activity in the water, the foreshore and the cafes. It was still busy today with people braving the rain because it was not that cold. What is there to do in Mission Bay? Click here.

This walk takes you along the short beach promenade and up on the clifftops overlooking Hauraki Gulf and the city skyline. You do have to look out for cyclists when you walk along the shared pathway.

Walks in AucklandMission Bay has a great choice of cafes, eateries (Japanese, Indian, Mexican, Italian…) and one special ice-cream parlor! Meet your friends by the fountain and enjoy the fresh salt air by the harbour.

 

Description: A mix of level paths, steep paths and steps. Suitable for most ages and levels of fitness and mobility, designed with flat shoes or running shoes in mind. Not suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs.
To see: Wonderful views of Rangitoto, Hauraki Gulf and Auckland City.
Dogs: On leash only. Children’s Playground=Yes
Start Point: Tamaki Drive, Mission Bay

Stay on track…find this walk’s map and directions guide (AC-018 Mission Bay Loop) and other walk self-guides at our Walk Store

Suggested Cafés: Various along Tamaki Drive
(the coffee is very good at De Fontein – reviewed here)

St Heliers and the Hauraki Gulf

Walks in Auckland

What a fabulous day for a walk in Auckland – warm, sunny, no wind….and there were so many people out and about taking advantage of the great weather!

St Heliers is a buzzy little place on Tamaki Drive with a small selection of cafes and restaurants to choose from for refreshments.

Todays walk provides spectacular views looking over the Hauraki Gulf to the small islands and the impressive Rangitoto volcano. And then onto Glover Park another of Auckland’s volcano remains – this one is an ‘explosion crater’.

This is a dog friendly walk with an off-leash exercise area.

Description: A mix of level and steep paths. Suitable for most ages and levels of fitness and mobility, designed with flat shoes or running shoes in mind. Not suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs.
To see: Wonderful views of Rangitoto, Hauraki Gulf and Auckland City.
Time: approx. 60 minutes. (about 4.5kms) Map

Find this walk over at our Walks Store (AE-016 St Heliers and Glover Park) and our Book Store (Volcanoes, Dog Friendly part 2, Best of the East)

12 Volcano Walks
12 Volcano Walks

Glover Park is featured in our book “Volcanoes”. Available from AmazonShort Walks in Auckland: Volcanoes (and on Kindle)

Remuera and Hobson Bay Walkway Circuit

Walks in Auckland

I really enjoy the diversity of Auckland at large and it is also a pleasure to find a walk that contains diversity within a small area. This walk in Auckland, takes us from the ridge of Remuera Village,  down to the edge of Hobson Bay walkway, onto a boardwalk amongst the mangroves via reserves and the Remuera mansions. You really get to know a city when you walk – we miss so much when we travel by car. This walk reveals some hidden Auckland gems.

Waiata Reserve is tucked in between Victoria Avenue and Orakei Road – a beautiful large space –  this is a dog friendly walk with an off-leash area.

Walks in Auckland

Cafe Greenfingers at Palmers Garden Centre on Shore Road is a great little cafe – the coffee is very good and so is the food.

This walk is one to do if fitness is a criteria – there is a decent uphill.   It can also be done in all weathers as all the paths are paved.

Description:A mix of level and steep paths. Suitable in all weather. Suitable for most ages and levels of fitness and mobility, designed with flat shoes or running shoes in mind. Not suitable for wheelchairs.
To see: Remuera mansions, park with mature trees, character shopping street with cafes and restaurants, mangrove trees, water views, ducks.
Time: approx. 60-90 minutes depending on pace.
Start: Waiata Avenue off Victoria Avenue. MAP

Stay on track…get your detailed guide and map brochure (AC-015  Remuera to Hobson Bay) over at our Walks Store and our Book Store (one of 12 walks featured in our books “Coastal part 1” and “Dog Friendly Walks part 2”).

Hillsborough Cemetery to the Bays

The Hillsborough Cemetery to the Bays walk is one of the few walks in Auckland that does not have a nearby cafe. However, we feel that it deserves to be in our collection because it is quite magical – from the peacefulness of the cemetery, to the rustling of the bush and then the lapping of the water at the edge of Manukau Harbour.

There is a publication called ‘Not Just Passing Through – the making of Mt Roskill’ by Jade Reidy that devotes a page to Hillsborough Cemetery.
The cemetery contains resting places for about 17,000 people who were buried there from 1916.
Even the first man to go over the Niagara Falls in a barrel, Bobby Leach, is buried there.

The walk passes through the native bush of two reserves – Goodall Street reserve and Belfast Reserve. These two reserves have stands of native bush and fauna.

Dogs – this walk includes  off leash dog exercise areas.

At the bottom of the hill, you can get great views across Manukau Harbour to Mangere Mountain. And when the tide is in, the scene is set for a spot of kayaking!

Short Walks in Auckland: Urban Bush

Description: A mix of level paths and steep paths/steps. Suitable for users of average fitness and mobility. May require boots in wet weather, running shoes suitable in dry weather.
Caution: Muddy and slippery when wet. Not wheel-friendly.
To see: Cemetery, native bush, harbour beaches, Manukau Harbour views.
Time: approx. 60 minutes.
Start: Hillsborough Cemetery corner Hillsborough Road and Goodall Street   MAP

Stay on track…get your detailed guide and map over at our Walks Store  (GS008 Hillsborough Cemetery to the Bays) and our Book Store (one of 12 walks featured in our books “Urban Bush” and “Coastal part 1”).

Tahuna Torea nature walk

Tahuna Torea is a beautiful nature reserve and wetland (salt marsh and freshwater habitat) in Glendowie, East Auckland. This nature walk follows the estuary edge and through native bush. I was hoping to head there yesterday but the rain was too heavy. Today the skies cleared to reveal a warm autumn day perfect for another walk in Auckland.

The starting point is at Roberta Reserve – it is a space that children can enjoy with a playground in the corner. Roberta Reserve is an off leash dog exercise area, but no dogs are allowed within Tahuna Torea itself because of the shore and wading birds that wander freely in this conservation area.

Tahuna Torea introduces you to 25 hectares of unique wildlife sited on a long sand bank extending out into the Tamaki Estuary. It is rich in Maori history as well as native birds and vegetation. Native trees are well sign-posted and there are fabulous views of the sandspit and estuary. There are three main walking trails around the reserve and you can walk them separately or together. It is a fun bush and shore family friendly walk.

Check out the tides before you head out – at low tide you can explore the Sandspit Beach Walks and at high tide you can enjoy the beauty of the water.

Description: : A mix of level path and a steps. Suitable in dry weather. Suitable for most ages and levels of fitness and mobility, designed with flat shoes or running shoes in mind. Not suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs.
To see: Wilderness Nature Reserve. Estuary views, sand spit, mangrove lagoon, freshwater pond, native birdlife, and native trees, Hauraki Gulf views. Bring binoculars to view birdlife.
Time: approx. 45 minutes. Allow extra time to explore.
Start: On corner of Robert Ave and Riddell Road. MAP

Suggested Café:
Ronnies, Corner of Riddell Road and Roberta Avenue (they do great iced coffees!)

Stay on track…get your detailed guide and map over at our Walks Store  (AE-010 Tahuna Torea) and our Book Store (one of 12 walks featured in our books “Urban Bush”,  “Coastal part one” and “Best of the East”).

Parnell Roses, trains and cranes

There is so much to discover  when you take a walk in Parnell! One moment you can be in the solitude of a reserve and the next looking at large cranes moving shipping containers with a helicopter nearby warming up to take off, and a train swiftly moving along the tracks.

The weather did not look the best today with low grey clouds in the sky after a day of rain yesterday. So we took our raincoats and didn’t need them…

However, we chose a walk that would not get our feet too wet. But if you do want to get wet when it’s a lovely sunny day, then this walk takes you along Judges Bay and around the Parnell Baths via the Parnell Rose Gardens in Dove Myer Robinson Park (named after Auckland’s longest serving (18 years) Mayor – Dove Myer Robinson).
The walk takes us out along the end of Solent Street. The Council planted a row of native pohutukawa trees along the path in 2008 and a few years later they have grown significantly. We wondered how much they will grow in another few years and if they will hinder walkers…

The roses today were looking bedraggled because of all the rain. However, the fernery was stunning and a great place for children to wander around safely.

This is a dog friendly walk with an off-leash exercise area.

To make this a full day outing, you may wish to stay and explore Parnell, one of Auckland’s most interesting and historic suburbs.

Description: A mix of level paths and steep paths/steps. Caution: Muddy and slippery when wet. Suitable for most ages and levels of fitness and mobility, designed with flat shoes or running shoes in mind. Not suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs.
To see: NZ native ferns palms and cycads, roses, Waitemata Harbour views, City views, helicopters, cranes, big trucks, container wharf, Parnell Baths
Time: approx. 60 minutes. (about 5kms)
Parking: Gladstone Road or Stanwell Street, off Gladstone Road, Parnell

Auckland coastal walks part one

Suggested Café: Rosie, 82 Gladstone Road

Stay on track…get your detailed guide and map brochures over at our Walks Store  (AC-012 Parnell and Judges Bay Loop) and our Book Store (one of 12 walks featured in our book “Coastal part 1”).

Churchill Park Loop

Churchill Park is one of a few walks in Auckland that does not have much shelter, so it was a great day to get into the park, with a pleasantly  warm sun and no rain.

The walk starts off going uphill and there are further gentle undulations – it fits the ‘fitness’ criteria! There is some variety – big pine tress, distant city skyline views, a path following a stream (where the Nikau Palms were showing off their red berries), a few cattle taking up what shade they could find and then once out of the park the fabulous views over the harbour and estuary.

Churchill Park, Glendowie Park and Roberta Reserve all have an off-leash dog exercise area and today there were dog owners taking advantage of the weather.

For children, there is an attractive playground area at the walk start and end point. Update June 2014: A recent redesign and reconstruction has transformed Roberta Reserve playground into a series of exciting, safe play spaces
for kids of all ages. For more adventurous youngsters, the park’s large colourful rope fort, eagle’s nest and swing basket are a real highlight.

Description:A mix of level paths, and a few steep paths. Suitable in dry weather. Suitable for users of all ages and abilities, suitable for normal footwear and for wheelchairs and pushchairs. May be muddy in places during the winter months.
To see: Sea views, city views, stream, private gardens, farm animals
Time: About 5kms (approx. 60 minutes).
Start: On corner of Robert Ave and Riddell Road. MAP
Playground: Corner of Riddell Road & Roberta Ave

Suggested Café: Ronnies Café, Corner of Riddell Road and Roberta Avenue (they do great iced coffees and date scones!)

Stay on track…get your detailed guide and map over at our Walks Store  (AE-007 Churchill Park) and our Book Store (one of 12 walks featured in our books “Coastal part 1”, “Dog Friendly Walks part 1” and “Best of the East”).